Voting in the 20 October ACT Legislative Assembly election is in full swing with over 13,000 votes already issued, the ACT Electoral Commissioner, Phil Green, said today.

Voters who are unable to get to polling places on 20 October have begun voting at the six pre-poll voting centres which opened on Tuesday. So far over 4,600 pre-poll votes have been cast, including over 4,000 electronic votes. Over 8,500 postal ballot papers have also been mailed to electors this week, with more than 10% being posted overseas.

“Pre-poll voting is an easy alternative to postal voting for those who may be away from Canberra on polling day, or who for some other reason cannot attend a polling place on that day,” Mr Green said.

“Many Canberrans know already that they will not be here on 20 October.  These people can vote any weekday between now and polling day, except on the 8 October public holiday. They can also pre-poll vote on Saturday 13 October from 9.00am – 5.00pm. The six pre-poll voting centres are set up at convenient locations near Canberra’s major centres.” Mr Green said.

“Next week the ACT Electoral Commission will be delivering an Election Guide to all households which includes the addresses of the pre-poll voting centres and polling places, as well as details on how to vote and how the counting system works. Sample ballot papers and a list of the 74 candidates standing for election are available on the Elections ACT website,” Mr Green said.

The pre-poll voting centres are at:

Belconnen:           Belconnen Community Centre, Swanson Court

Canberra City:     Pilgrim House, 69 Northbourne Avenue

Downer:               Downer Business Park, 2 Bradfield Street

Gungahlin:           Gungahlin Library, Conference Room 1, Access via Hibberson Street

Tuggeranong:      Salvation Army Hall, Cnr Anketell St and Reed St North

Woden:                Woden Smith Family, Cnr Easty and Launceston Streets

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